Analysis of the South African School Curriculum for Strengthening Peace Education

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Analysis of the South African School Curriculum for Strengthening Peace Education
Language: English
Authors: Lorna Truter (ORCID 0000-0002-7177-8325), Ashley Gunter (ORCID 0000-0002-0993-0955), Adri du Toit (ORCID 0000-0002-3354-6830)
Source: Journal of Peace Education. 2025 22(3):352-371.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 20
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Peace, Secondary School Curriculum, Curriculum Evaluation, Conflict, Racial Segregation, Stranger Reactions
Geographic Terms: South Africa
DOI: 10.1080/17400201.2025.2494506
ISSN: 1740-0201
1740-021X
Abstract: Education for peace is pivotal to South Africa's efforts to promote harmony and address its deeply rooted conflicts. As the nation confronts the lingering impact of apartheid, as well as current challenges like xenophobia and social exclusion, peace education emerges as a key tool for fostering a future of justice, unity, and respect. Research on integrating peace education into the secondary school curriculum highlights its transformative potential. It not only bridges gaps between diverse communities but also equips students with critical skills like conflict resolution, intercultural communication, and a deeper understanding of human rights. However, significant barriers remain. Deep-rooted societal issues, such as economic inequality and political instability, hinder efforts to promote cohesion among South Africa's diverse populations. Despite the end of apartheid, its legacy persists, manifesting in entrenched prejudices and xenophobia. Xenophobia, though targeting nationalities rather than race, still echoes the segregation of the past. To cultivate a harmonious society, these legacies must be addressed. Moreover, peace education in South Africa is inconsistently implemented across schools, with some institutions fully integrating it and others barely touching upon it. This inconsistency highlights the need for a strengthened and standardized curriculum to ensure peace education becomes a sustained, nationwide initiative.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1505325
Database: ERIC
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